n. 1. A piece of a valuable mineral or minerallike substance that has been cut, polished, or otherwise prepared for use as an ornament. 2. a. Something that is valued for its beauty or perfection: a little gem of a book. b. A beloved or highly prized person. 3. A muffin, especially a very small one. tr.v. gemmed, gem·ming, gems To adorn with gems. [Middle English gemme, from Old French, from Latin gemma; see gembh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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